Chelsea star Oscar hangs up boots at 34 after cardiac scare
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a poignant announcement that has sent shockwaves through the football world, former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has retired from professional football at the age of 34, prioritising his health following a frightening cardiac episode.
The 34-year-old collapsed during a routine training session with his boyhood club São Paulo in November 2025, just months after his emotional return to the club in January.
Medical tests revealed vasovagal syncope—a condition triggering sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure—prompting Oscar to step away from the game despite early hopes of recovery.
“Football has given me everything, but my health and family come first now,” Oscar said in a heartfelt statement released on Saturday.
After extensive consultations with his medical team and loved ones, the decision became clear, ending a career that dazzled fans across continents.
Oscar’s journey began at São Paulo, where he honed his skills before exploding onto the scene at Internacional.
His flair and vision caught the eye of Chelsea, who splashed £19 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge in 2012. There, the creative midfielder became a Stamford Bridge favorite, contributing to memorable campaigns under managers like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
His path took an unconventional turn in 2017 when he left Chelsea for Shanghai Port in China, where he thrived for eight lucrative years, amassing over 200 appearances and silverware.
Eager for a homecoming, Oscar signed a three-year deal with São Paulo earlier this year, netting two goals and five assists in 21 outings before injuries and the health scare derailed his revival.
São Paulo officials expressed deep support, hinting at a potential non-playing role for the club legend in the future.
Tributes have flooded in from peers, fans, and former clubs, celebrating Oscar as one of Brazil’s most gifted midfielders of his generation—a player whose silky passing and vision lit up pitches from Rio to London.
